AGAIN WE KEEP THIS SOLEMN FAST

A HYMN FOR QUADRAGESIMA SUNDAY

Text: Ex more docti mystico; ascribed to Pope St. Gregory the Great, c. 540–604, tr. Peter J. Scagnelli (b. 1949)

Again we keep this solemn fastA gift of faith from ages past,This Lent which bids us lovinglyTo faith and hope and charity.

The law and prophets from of oldIn figured ways this Lent foretold,Which Christ, all ages’ Lord and Guide,In these last days has sanctified.

More sparing, therefore, let us makeThe words we speak, the food we take,Our sleep, our laughter, ev’ry sense;Learn peace through holy penitence.

Let us avoid each harmful wayThat lures the careless mind astray;By watchful prayer our spirits freeFrom scheming of the Enemy.

We pray, O blessed Three in One,Our God while endless ages run,That this, our Lent of forty days,May bring us growth and give thee praise.